Suzuki Philippines has officially joined the lucrative B-segment after the automaker recently launched the 2016 Ciaz in Makati City. Set to deliver a comfortable and spacious ride, the all-new Ciaz is the longest car in its class and features a sophisticated exterior and interior, along with an array of standard equipment.

According to the automaker,the Ciaz is an 'authentic sedan' that was made for those who are driven to excel. It combines a spacious and comfortable cabin and an elegant exterior design that aims to deliver driving performance.

Measuring 4,490mm long, 1,730mm wide and 1,475 tall, the 2016 Ciaz trumps other B-segment sedans in terms of size. In addition, its 2,650mm wheelbase also meant it will offer best-in-class interior space. Moreover, Suzuki claimed it has bigger door apertures which allows for increased legroom, headroom and shoulderroom.

Up front, the front fascia gets projector-type headlights, chrome grill and circular foglights. Turning towards the side, the range-topping GLX gets chrome door handles and window fixtures and a defined beltline that highlights the car's profile. Rounding it all off is a set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The entry-level GL, on the other hand, has color-keyed door handles and window trims, and smaller 15-inch alloy wheels. The rear gets angular taillights, rounded trunk design and faux rear air vents with reflectors that complete the exterior décor of the 2016 Ciaz.

Inside, it gets a predominantly black-gray interior that is accented by chrome and silver trim pieces. Top-of-the range models will be equipped with an Android-based 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supports wireless connectivity, preloaded apps like Waze, Facebook and Google, USB, Aux, Navigation and Bluetooth hands-free telephony. The entry-level variant, on the other hand, gets a Windows CE based touchscreen system with navigation.

Under the hood, the 2016 Ciaz is propelled by a 1.4-liter K14B inline-four. Benefitting from Suzuki's variable valve timing (VVT), the engine produces 92 PS at 6,000 rpm along with 130 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The GL can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. The range-topping GLX is exclusively available with the latter.

Over to safety, the Ciaz sits on Suzuki's patented Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) frame. It provides better passenger and driver protection through a lightweight and rigid impact absorbing chassis.